Congressman Troy Downing has introduced legislation aimed at extending federal support for water infrastructure on the Fort Peck Reservation. The proposed bill seeks to reauthorize the Fort Peck Dry Prairie Rural Water System Act of 2000, which allows for joint management of the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System and the Dry Prairie Water System.
“Water infrastructure is vital to ensuring Montana’s tribal communities have the resources they need to thrive,” said Congressman Downing. “I’m proud to lead this bill in the House and work alongside Senators Daines and Sheehy to deliver for Indian Country.”
If passed, Downing’s bill would authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to continue construction and maintenance of key water infrastructure on the reservation from December 2026 through December 2028. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate earlier this month by Senators Daines and Sheehy.
The original Fort Peck Dry Prairie Rural Water System Act was enacted in 2000 to facilitate collaboration between two interconnected rural water systems serving local tribal communities.
